Day Hike Near Kathmandu City – Nagarjun Hike

Nagarjun hike is a popular hiking trail located in the Nagarjuna National Park, which is a protected area situated northwest of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The hike is known for its scenic views of the Kathmandu Valley and its surrounding mountains, as well as its rich biodiversity, with several species of plants and animals living in the park.

The hike is relatively short, taking approximately 3-4 hours to complete, and is suitable for hikers of all levels of fitness. The trail is well-marked, and there are several rest stops along the way for hikers to take a break and enjoy the views.

In addition to the hiking trail, there are several other attractions in the Nagarjuna National Park, including the Nagarjun Palace, a historical site that was once a royal palace, and the Shivapuri National Park, which is located nearby and offers additional hiking and trekking opportunities.

There are many hiking destinations around Kathmandu Valley, but the Nagarjun hike is one of the most popular and also a few minutes drive from Thamel to Phulbari gate and hill to the top. For travelers with a very short holiday, but who want to enjoy nature, the Nagarjun hike is a great option compared with other hikes near Kathmandu. If the weather is good, hiking to Nagarjun offers a magnificent view of Kathmandu city and the Langtang Himalayan range, including the Annapurna Range,  Everest Range, and Manaslu Range. 

The Nagarjun Hill’s old name was Jamacho, the changed to Nagarjun Hill after Sadhu Nagarjuna Indian Baba stayed for 5 years here for meditating, an Indian Buddhist philosopher flourishing in the 2nd century CE, who articulated the doctrine of emptiness (shunyata) and is considered to be the founder of the Madhyamika (“Middle Way”) school of Mahayana Buddhism. There is no better place to meditate than Nagarjun Hill. It is a great spot to use your quick experience when you are in Kathmandu. Nagarjun hike is also very popular for Nepalese hikers, student groups, families with children, and college students. Buddhist pilgrims come here on full moon days to worship. 

It takes only 15 minutes from Thamel to Phulbari Gate and 3 hours to ascend Nagarjun Hill. Above sea level, the Top rises 2128 meters. This hill is one of the closest to Kathmandu. While hiking in the jungle, we passed through dense forests filled with oak, bamboo, rhododendron, pine, and some typical plants. On the way to Nagarjun Hill, you can see several holes made by wild boars searching for food. Insects that are found inside the land are usually eaten by them. It was also beautiful to see the colorful prayer flags along the way. The ranges are connected with Shivpuri national park. The jungle covers this charming crown-style mountain. Wild boars, deer, tigers, monkeys, and many species of birds live in the jungle. As you hike, you may encounter wild boar, deer, and monkeys.

The Nagarjun hike starts at 4.30 am. We pick you up at your hotel and then drive 15 minutes to Phulbari Gate. National park permits are required here. We now take the accent trail, which is full of stairs. There is open ground at the end of the steep trails. The walk to the open area takes approximately 30 minutes. The Jamachor top can be seen from here. The trail is now easier and less steep. The stunning view of the forest takes your tiredness away, and as you get closer, you will feel the colder weather.

Is there a restaurant or teahouse at Nagarjun Hike?

1. Nagarjun Hike has no restaurant due to the National Park and is not allowed to settle even though there is a tea shop. Pack lunches are provided with your guide and helpers.

How far is it to drive and how long to Nagarjun hike?

1. Thamel-your hotel to Phulbari gate is about 4-30 kilometers, a 15-minute drive. Then, start your hike to Nagarjun Hill. Approximately 3 hours are needed to ascend to the top, and 2 hours to return to the Phulbari gate, so the total hiking time is 5 hours.

What is included in the price?

A: Transportation, guide, porters for bags, Nagarjun federal entrance permits, packed lunch, drinking mineral water, and mango fruity are included in the day hike tours.

Note optional hike close to Kathmandu (Shivapuri National Park) (Nagarkot Sunrise view)